Mission Australia Chief Executive Officer James Toomey has announced he will step down from his role by March 2022.

Having worked at Mission Australia since 2010, James’ strong leadership qualities led to his appointment as CEO in November 2017. After 11 years at the organisation, and four as CEO, Mr Toomey feels it is the right time to move on.

As a qualified social worker with an extensive background in community services, James has created a client-focused organisation. He is values-led and passionate about transforming the lives of Australians in need.

Under his leadership, Mission Australia has established a new 20-25 Strategy with the goal to end homelessness and ensure people and communities in need can thrive. Mission Australia has divested a number of non-strategic programs to focus on its core strengths which includes building new youth drug and alcohol services in Cairns and Batemans Bay, a new Mission Australia Centre at Coffs Harbour, increasing its housing footprint providing more homes and support for those who need it most and continuing to be a strong voice to governments for the people we serve.

“I have been absolutely honoured to serve Mission Australia in my various roles since 2010. Being CEO has been the greatest, most humbling and rewarding role of my career and I thank the Mission Australia team, our clients, staff, volunteers and supporters for the role they have played in that.” Toomey said.

“This decision was not an easy one as eleven years is a long time to be part of this wonderful organisation. It is a personal decision I have reflected and prayed deeply about over the past few months.

“Together, we have achieved so much towards our goals of ending homelessness and ensuring people and communities in need can thrive, but I feel that continued journey could be best undertaken with someone new leading it. It feels the right time for me to look for fresh challenges outside of Mission Australia.” he adds.

Chair of the Board, Ken Dean said, “I thank James for his inspiring leadership and his forthright commitment to our staff, clients and supporters.

“It has been a delight to work closely with James as our CEO. His straightforward, open relationships and passion for clear personal communication have been hallmarks of his leadership.

“The Mission Australia Board is sorry to see James’ time as Mission Australia CEO end sooner than we had wished, and he leaves with the unqualified esteem and appreciation of us all. We thank God for his time as CEO, and pray for success and satisfaction for him in his future roles.

“True to James’ unwavering values led leadership, he’s given the Board six months’ notice in order that we can undertake a smooth transition with his successor.”

The Board has commenced an executive search to select a new CEO. Mission Australia will communicate the outcome of this process at the appropriate time.